You don’t need to pre-read these for the stuff you DON’T want to read about.

Review of books that are free of  profanity, graphic violence and paranormal themes.

The gods of Olympus are alive and well in the 21st Century! They still fall in love with mortals and have children who are half-god, half-human, like the heroes of the old Greek myths. Could you be one of those children? Join the adventures of Percy Jackson and his modern demigod friends as they fight mythological monsters and the forces of the titan lord Kronos.

http://www.rickriordan.com/index.php/books-for-children/

From the Mixed-Up Files is the group blog of middle-grade authors celebrating books for middle-grade readers. For anyone with a passion for children’s literature—teachers, librarians, parents, kids, writers, industry professionals— we offer regularly updated booklists organized by unique categories, author interviews, market news, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of children’s books from writing to publishing to promoting.

http://promo.simonandschuster.com/amelia/home.php

Watch and listen to some of authors and readings from favorite young children’s books.

For the older crowd:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsaSd1GjWeQ

You tube is amazing.  You can find a lot of education full length clips.  (Ya there is a lot of junk too, be careful what you ask for!)

Go to youtube.com and type in:  Children’s Book Trailers.

http://kidlitbooktrailers.ning.com/

A great way to get a feel for a book you may want to read.

http://www.coloring-book.info/coloring/

Welcome to the wonderful world of Ziggity Zoom where you can play games, color pictures, read and listen to stories about many different characters, watch kids videos or explore Play Worlds and other activities. This site is designed for kids and their parents to encourage creativity, reading and to really let your imagination soar. Our mission is to encourage kids to learn, be creative, be active, and to help parents by providing worksheets, tools, and articles that promote positive values and healthy living.

http://www.sjms.jordan.k12.ut.us/MediaCenter/master_list.htm

This is a great site to find a book in just the right category.  It alphabetically lists authors, then gives you a summary of the book, reading level, and rates: swears, violence and content by Essential, Advisory, Optional and NO.  Also if you click the Blog version:

http://www.kissthebook.blogspot.com/

you will get a side list on the right that breaks down every imaginable category of book you would like.

A definite place to check before you go blindly shopping or to the library.

http://www.geronimostilton.com/

If you love Geronimo and his crazy colorful books, and adventures you have to visit his website.  It has information about the characters and books, as well as games.  You can visit all of his hangouts, his house, the Rodent’s Gazette, Library, Town Hall, Singing Stone Plaza and the Funfair.  Just plain fun!